He found his voice
How Adam learned to advocate for himself
It had been two years since Adam spoke in full sentences. When he moved from Covenant House’s crisis shelter to Rights of Passage, its longer-term housing program, he would only say a word or two.
A youth worker accompanied Adam on an appointment in the community. Like usual, he was really quiet. Then, instead of asking Adam questions, the youth worker tried something different. He asked Adam if he had any questions he wanted to ask.
He began to open up
After some time, Adam asked two questions. He wanted to know at what age the youth worker started talking and if ever there was a time in his life when he stopped. They connected over the youth worker’s revelation that he didn’t speak until he was four years old.
Adam began to open up in response to this. He found his voice during his time in the Rights of Passage program, even advocating for himself to extend his stay so he could finish high school there. He excelled in computer science and was proud to have earned an award for his marks. Adam’s progress continued as he joined Covenant House’s mentorship program.
Adam is now thinking about pursuing a career in computer science or engineering – with his new voice.
Photo: A young man receiving residential treatment at St. Michael’s Homes